Perata's car recovered following carjacking,
no suspects located

By Jesse Dungan and Caitlin Cassady

December 30, 2007

Richmond police have recovered the government-issued car that was stolen at gunpoint from state Senate President pro Tem Don Perata, D-East Bay, Saturday afternoon in north Oakland, authorities announced this morning.

Richmond officers located the red 2006 Dodge Charger near the intersection of Wiswall and Colette drives just after 11 p.m. Saturday, according to Richmond police Sgt. Louie Tirona.

"As far as I know, (the car) was in good condition,'' Tirona said.

Tirona said no suspects have been apprehended but that the recovered vehicle will be processed for prints and evidence.

The car was stolen from Perata at around 1:45 p.m., as he was sitting in the vehicle at 51st Street and Shattuck Avenue in Oakland, Oakland police Lt. Lawrence Green said.

While Perata waited for the light to turn, a gold 2000 Chevrolet Camaro, which was allegedly stolen earlier in the day, pulled up behind Perata's car. A man stepped up to the car window and tapped on it with a gun, Green said.

The suspect, described as a black man in his 20s with a thin build, demanded the senator exit the car. Perata got out and the two stolen vehicles sped away westbound on 51st Street.

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